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Business owners should always remain vigilant about their compliance with privacy laws when conducting their business activities. In 2025, privacy is still taken very seriously in Australia – and the penalties for non‑compliance can be severe. Ensuring you have the proper consent and documentation in place not only helps you avoid hefty fines but also builds trust with your customers.
If your business is collecting sensitive personal information from clients, you may need to get a Privacy Consent Form.
What Is A Privacy Consent Form?
A Privacy Consent Form essentially allows your clients to consent to your collection and processing of their personal information. In today’s digital landscape, it also confirms that your clients approve the use and disclosure of that information to third parties where necessary – all in line with the latest requirements under the Privacy Act 1988 as it is applied in 2025.
You might be wondering, “How is this different from a Privacy Policy or a simple online disclaimer?”
Well, a Privacy Consent Form provides more detailed disclosure than a standard Privacy Policy. It outlines the specific nature of the sensitive information you’re collecting, the reasons for its collection, whether such collection is authorised by law, and the potential consequences if consent is not provided. This extra layer of transparency is a key component of best practices, as detailed in our Legal Requirements for Starting a Business guide.
Even if your business falls below the typical compliance threshold – generally an annual turnover exceeding $3 million – having a robust Privacy Consent Form can significantly mitigate risk by demonstrating your commitment to safeguarding sensitive data. For additional insights on maintaining compliance, you might also find our Legal Documents for Business article helpful.
Do I Need A Privacy Consent Form?
In 2025, compliance with privacy laws under the Privacy Act 1988 generally applies to businesses with an annual turnover exceeding $3 million. However, if you handle sensitive health or personal information, these requirements may apply regardless of your turnover.
Even if your business is not legally required to comply, it’s always a smart move to have a Privacy Consent Form in place. This not only helps protect your customers’ data but can also enhance your brand’s reputation in an increasingly competitive online marketplace. Our Business Startup Checklist provides more tips on keeping your business legally sound from day one.
Where Can I Get A Privacy Consent Form?
Our expert lawyers can help you draft a Privacy Consent Form tailored to your business’s specific needs. Our comprehensive package includes:
- A customised Privacy Consent Form
- Phone consultations with a Sprintlaw lawyer who will advise you on the legal issues that apply to your business
If you require further assistance, our team can also support you in drafting a complementary Privacy Policy to ensure all aspects of data protection are covered. This comprehensive approach helps you meet current privacy standards and build consumer trust.
Need Help?
As we move through 2025, privacy laws in Australia remain stringent, and the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. Ensuring your business is compliant is not just about avoiding penalties – it’s a cornerstone of good business practice.
Whether or not the Privacy Act applies to your business, having the right policies and consent forms in place when handling sensitive information can protect both your customers and your reputation. For further guidance, you can explore our resources on topics like legal requirements for starting a business and even check out our Small Business Lawyers page.
If you would like a consultation on your options going forward, you can reach us at 1800 730 617 or team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no-obligations chat.
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